Dental plaque linked to premature cancer death

People with persistent dental plaque may be more likely to die early from cancer, scientists have warned.

Researchers followed the health of almost 1,400 adults in Stockholm, Sweden, from 1985 to 2009.

During that time, 35 people died of cancer, typically around the age of 60 (men) or 61 (women).

The researchers observed that those who died prematurely from cancer tended to have higher levels of dental plaque - a film of bacteria that leads to tooth decay and gum inflammation - than those who did not.

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Overall, dental plaque was found to be associated with a 79 per cent increased risk of premature death, although the researchers emphasised that their findings do not prove that plaque actually causes or contributes to cancer.

Writing in the journal BMJ Open, the study authors concluded: 'Our study hypothesis was confirmed by the finding that poor [mouth] hygiene, as reflected in the amount of dental plaque, was associated with increased cancer mortality.

'Further studies are required to determine whether there is any causal element in the observed association.'

Poor oral hygiene has previously been linked to a number of systemic health problems, including heart disease.

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